When Dreams Become Creativity: The Role of Art in Shaping the Future
Artissima, Italy’s leading international contemporary art fair, concluded its 31st edition by reaffirming Turin’s role as a key hub in the global art market.
From November 1st to 3rd, 2024, the Oval Lingotto hosted 189 galleries from 34 countries, welcoming over 34,200 visitors including collectors, gallerists, and art enthusiasts. Despite a slower market pace, the event confirmed its unique role as a catalyst for creativity and innovation.
A Theme of Vision and Reflection: “The Era of Daydreaming”
This year’s theme, “The Era of Daydreaming”, explored the power of dreams as a source of artistic inspiration and a mirror of spontaneous thought.
Luigi Fassi, the fair’s director, explained: “Through daydreaming we project our lives into a possible future, turning spontaneous thoughts into concrete creativity.” This vision shaped the curated sections – Present Future, Back to the Future, and Disegni – blending emerging talents and historical masters, offering visitors a deeply emotional and intellectual experience.
Despite the enthusiasm, many gallerists reported moderate sales, mainly in the mid-price range.
This reflects a broader global context of uncertainty, where economic slowdown and a crowded fair calendar put pressure on the market.
However, the quality of relationships built at Artissima remains a key asset for future commercial developments.
Why Artissima Remains a Pillar of the Art Market
Unlike events such as Frieze London or Art Basel, Artissima stands out for its focus on research and experimentation.
The curated sections, such as Back to the Future, offer a unique perspective on rediscovering overlooked historical artists, while Present Future continues to serve as a launchpad for emerging talents.
This distinctiveness makes Artissima a must-attend event for those seeking innovation and thought-provoking content, though it demands ongoing commitment to attract global investors and compete commercially.
Artissima 2024 proves that the value of art goes beyond numbers.
For gallerists and investors, this edition offers an important takeaway: investing in art is not only about immediate financial returns, but also a long-term strategy to build cultural and financial legacies.